April is Child Abuse Awareness Month
Pocatello now has blue and silver pinwheels all around town.
They are “Pinwheels for Prevention,” a national campaign to bring awareness to child abuse.
They are part of Child Abuse Awareness Month, which is in April. The goal is to inform the community about how to help.
The director of Family Services Alliance in Pocatello, Sarah O’Banion, said the biggest key to helping kids is to believe them if they confide in you.
Some signs to watch for in potential abuse victims are unexplained bruising, a change in personality and even bed-wetting.
O’Banion said another big tip-off is when kids suddenly become very afraid of a certain figure in their life. She advises the community to report any suspected child abuse. Otherwise, it could go on completely unnoticed.
“Everyone in this community can make a difference,” said O’Banion. “And many times we talk about how children don’t have as loud of a voice as adults and so they need people in their circle to help them be safe and we can do that.”
Anyone who suspects any abuse should report it to Child Protective Services or law enforcement.
